Events for Oct. 17 - 31

Published: Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2012 1:16 p.m. CDT

(Continued from Page 8)

BIG ROCK

Halloween Fest

Time: 5 – 9:30 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Oct. 20

Place: Plowman Park

More information: www.halloween-fest.com

Annual festival sponsored by the villages of Hinckley, Big Rock and Sugar Grove, as well as a number of business, organizations and individuals. Free activities include kids' and adults' haunted houses, a haunted trail hayride, fortune tellers, crafts, games, scarecrow building, inflatables, facepainting, a decorated pumpkin contest with five age groups, a costume parade and performances by a DJ, a clown, a magician and a juggler. Food is available for purchase.

CORTLAND

Preschool Story Time

Time: 10 a.m.

Date: Every Wednesday and Thursday; next, Oct. 17

Place: Cortland Community Library, 63 S. Somonauk Road

More information: 815-756-7274 or www.cortlandlibrary.com

For children 3 and older. No registration required.

First Grade & Up Story and Craft

Time: 4 p.m.

Date: Every Thursday; next, Oct. 18

Place: Cortland Community Library, 63 S. Somonauk Road

More information: 815-756-7274 or www.cortlandlibrary.com

Registration required.

Medicare Open Enrollment Presentation

Time: 11:30 a.m.

Date: Friday, Oct. 19

Place: Cortland Senior Center, 70 Llanos St.

More information: 815-758-4718

Topics will include what to consider when choosing a Medicare drug plan. Handouts will be available. To have lunch at the VAC luncheon site, RSVP by phone by 10 a.m. Oct. 18.

CRESTON

Haunted Opera House

Time: 7 – 10 p.m.

Dates: Oct. 19, 20, 26 and 27

Place: 204 S. Main St.

Cost: Adults $5, children 8-15 $3

More information: 815-384-5555

DeKALB

Toddler Time

Time: 10:30 a.m.

Date: Wednesday, Oct. 17

Place: DeKalb Public Library

Story and song time for infants through preschoolers and their parents. A craft time will be held at 11 a.m.

Blood Drive

Time: 3 – 7 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Oct. 17

Place: Grant North, 1250 N. Grant Drive

Teacher in the Library

Time: 4 – 5:15 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Oct. 17

Place: DeKalb Public Library

More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 250 or www.dkpl.org

A retired teacher will help DeKalb School District students in third through fifth grades with homework assignments. Registration required in person, online or by phone. Limit of five students per session.

Audience members may submit questions at the door. To submit a question, arrive a few minutes early. Candidates for the 16th Congressional District, the 70th State House District, circuit court judge, county board, state's attorney and regional superintendent of schools are expected to participate. The forum will be broadcast live on public access Channel 14 in DeKalb and streamed live at cityofdekalb.com.

Tom Sawyer and Friends Character Dissection

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Oct. 17

Place: Barnes & Noble

The DeKalb Public Library will lead a character dissection of four characters from "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer." Coffee will be available. No registration required.

Bilingual Story Time

Time: 10 a.m.

Date: Thursday, Oct. 18

Place: DeKalb Public Library

'Predicting the 2012 Presidential Election'

Time: 6 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Oct. 18

Place: Sky Room, Holmes Student Center

Presentation by popular political expert Alan Abramowitz.

Homework Help Nights

Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Dates: Every Tuesday and Thursday; next, Oct. 18

Place: Neighbors' House, corner of Fifth and Pine streets

More information: neighborshouse@frontier.com or 815-787-0600

Homework help, activities and snacks for DeKalb School District students in fourth through 12th grades.

Northern Illinois University science, technology, engineering and math programs, corporations, museums, national labs and more present hundreds of fun science-based activities to entertain people of all ages.

'Jesus Christ Superstar' Auditions

Time: 1 – 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; 7 – 9 p.m. Monday

Dates: Oct. 20 – 22

Place: Stage Coach Players Theater, 126 S. Fifth St.

More information: www.stagecoachers.com

Director seeks a large cast of performers ages 8 to 80, of all vocal ranges. This production is ensemble-driven, with many solo opportunities. Auditioners should bring at least 16 bars of music to sing and be prepared to dance and present a cold reading. Performances will be March 14-24.

'Incredible Bats'

Time: 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Oct. 20

Place: Haish Gym, 303 S. Ninth St.

Cost: Adults $4, children $3

More information: 815-756-8560

Learn about types of bats around the world, see live bats and discuss myths and legends about bats. Bat crafts for children begin at 1:30; the show begins at 2 p.m. Registration recommended for this family show.

Tickets include cosmic bowling, 50/50 raffle and more. Proceeds will help pay the donor's medical costs for Stephanie Abbott, who plans to donate a portion of her liver to her father, Bill Abbott of Cortland.

Adventure!@Your Library

Time: 1 – 5 p.m.

Date: Sunday, Oct. 21

Place: DeKalb Public Library

More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 280 or stever@dkpl.org

DeKalb-area teens in junior high and high school create an adventure story. Space is limited; registration is required.

The opening of an exhibit featuring 21 artists. The exhibit will be on display and pieces for sale through Dec. 9.

New Knee Replacement Technology

Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Oct. 23

Place: Kish Hospital's Roberts Conference Center

More information: 815-748-8962 or www.kishhospital.org/programs

Orthopedic surgeon Rajeev Jain, MD, will talk about new technology in knee replacement. Meal and valet service provided. Dinner served at 6 p.m. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date.

Free concert by the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra featuring Halloween-themed music, including selections from "Symphonie Fantastique" and "Harry Potter." There will be trick-or-treating in the Music Building at 5 p.m.

Heal Heel Pain

Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Date: Monday, Oct. 29

Place: Kish Hospital's Roberts Conference Center

More information: 815-748-8962 or www.kishhospital.org/programs

A foot and ankle surgeon and a physical therapist will discuss causes and treatment options for heel pain, as well as techniques to relieve pain and prevent injury. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date.

'How to Start a Successful Child Care Business'

Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Date: Monday, Oct. 29

Place: 4-C, 155 N. Third St., Suite 300

More information: 800-848-8727 ext. 230

A free workshop for people who want to start a home day care. The workshop focuses on legal child care, professional business practices and resources and support available through 4-C. Registration required.

Boys Only ... Your Changing Body

Time: 6 – 7:30 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Oct. 30

Place: Kish Hospital's Roberts Conference Center

Cost: $10 per family

More information: 815-748-8962 or www.kishhospital.org/programs

A program for boys 9 to 12 and an adult male relative. The physical and emotional changes a young boy experiences can be overwhelming and puzzling. Knowing what to expect can lessen anxiety. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date.

Blood Drive

Time: Noon – 4 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Oct. 31

Place: Marshall Gallery of Swen Parson Hall, on Normal Road

GENOA

Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic

Time: 9 – 11 a.m.

Date: Wednesdays; next, Oct. 17

Place: KishHealth Family and Specialty Care

A community wellness professional monitors blood pressure weekly. Receive blood pressure information and a tracking card. No registration necessary.

Line Dancing

Time: 7 – 11:30 p.m.

Date: Third Friday of every month; next, Oct. 19

Place: Genoa Veterans Home, 311 S. Washington St.

Cost: $5

Line dancing by dancers' request. Split floor for couple dances and line dances.

Hymn Sing

Time: 6 p.m.

Date: Third Sunday of every month; next, Oct. 21

Place: Emmaus Baptist Church, 701 Pearson St.

Bingo

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Every Tuesday; next, Oct. 23

Place: Genoa Veterans Home, 311 S. Washington St.

Electronics Recycling Collection

Time: 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Nov. 3

Place: Municipal parking lot at City Hall

More information: 815-748-2408

HINCKLEY

Midwest Ghost Society

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Friday, Oct. 19

Place: Hinckley Public Library

More information: 815-286-3220

Local group will give a presentation on their paranormal investigations, explaining their methods, sharing stories and answering questions. For teens and adults. Registration required.

Learn the history of coffee, differences in types of coffee, and how differences in the roasting and brewing process affect the final cup of joe. Coffee samples and treats will be provided, and there will be drawings for coffee-related door prizes. Registration required.

Free Scary Movie

Time: 3:30 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Oct. 30

Place: Hinckley Public Library

More information: 815-286-3220

Snacks and a showing of "Coraline."

Young Adults Scary Movie

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Oct. 30

Place: Hinckley Public Library

More information: 815-286-3220

Snacks and a free showing of cult classic "Poltergeist."

KINGSTON

Halloween Party

Time: 5 – 7 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Oct. 20

Place: Kingston Elementary School

Cost: Nonperishable item for the food pantry

More information: 815-784-5572

Bring a sweet treat for the Spook Walk and a donation for the food pantry. Wear costumes and bring your camera for photo ops with Fred and Wilma Flintstone. Bingo, facepainting and more. Prizes for best costume in three age ranges; the infant to 3 contest will be at 5:30 p.m., the 4 to 6 contest at 6 p.m. and the 7 to 11 contest at 6:30 p.m.

KIRKLAND

Parents Night Out

Time: 6 – 9 p.m.

Date: Friday, Oct. 26

Place: First United Methodist Church of Kirkland

The church will offer free child care with activities and snacks. This replaces the annual outdoor pumpkin event.

Historical Society Open House

Time: 2 – 4 p.m.

Date: Sunday, Oct. 21

Place: Kirkland Olson Funeral Chapel, 309 W. Fifth St.

See the new display cases, filled with recently donated items.

MALTA

Children's "Tom Sawyer" Book Discussion

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Date: Friday, Oct. 19

Place: Malta Public Library

A book discussion of "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" geared toward children.

SHABBONA

Crappie/Bluegill Open

Time: 6 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Oct. 20

Place: Shabbona Lake State Park

More information: 815-824-2581 or www.shabbonalake.com

Heaviest stringer of five crappie and five bluegill wins a $100 Cabela's gift card. Immediate family members may join their fish to make one stringer. No entry fee or registration required. Donate $5 to the walleye restocking fund before fishing and double your prize if you win.

Blood Drive

Time: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Date: Monday, Oct. 29

Place: Indian Creek High School

SYCAMORE

Bingo

Time: Card sales start at 6 p.m.; play begins at 7:15

Date: Every Wednesday; next, Oct. 17

Place: Sycamore Veterans Home, 121 S. California St.

Native American Storyteller

Time: 4 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Oct. 18

Place: Midwest Museum of Natural History

More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 260 or edithc@dkpl.org

Discover Native American legends that explain why bears have short tails and why porcupines can't throw quills. A fun and educational program for students of all ages.

DeKalb County Community Spelling Bee

Time: 6 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Oct. 18

Place: St. Mary's Church Parish Activity Center, 322 Waterman St.

Cost: $3 to watch; students of any age admitted free

Medicare Open Enrollment Presentation

Time: 9:30 a.m.

Date: Friday, Oct. 19

Place: Sycamore Senior Center, 940 E. State St.

More information: 815-758-4718

Topics will include what to consider when choosing a Medicare drug plan. Handouts will be available. To have lunch at the VAC luncheon site, RSVP by phone by 10 a.m. Oct. 18.

Cost: $15 per child; discounts available for families with three or more children

More information: 815-895-8522 or jladas@cornerstonechristianacademy.com

Four hours of supervised bouncing in inflatable moon bounces and obstacle courses for children ages 3 to 12. Parents can stay or can sign in their children and leave. Includes one slice of pizza and a juice box; additional concessions available for purchase. Jumpers should not wear denim and must wear socks. Register in advance or at 4:45 p.m. at the door.

Cost: Adults and children $10; adults $5 with the purchase of a child admission

More information: 815-899-1307

Children 3 to 10 can take part in a dance class, make a craft, play dance games and have refreshments. Adults can take part in a Barre/Pilates class, get nail designs and 10-minute updos and have a neck and shoulder massage. Call by Oct. 18 to reserve a spot.

Creepy Crawly Halloween Party

Time: 6 – 8 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Oct. 20

Place: Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 W. State St.

Cost: Members $6, nonmembers $8

More information: 815-895-9777 or www.mmnh.org

Go trick-or-treating through the decorated museum, check out the "grossology" lab and enjoy games, candy and prizes.

LEGO Sunday

Time: 1:30 – 3 p.m.

Date: Sunday, Oct. 21

Place: Sycamore Public Library

More information: 815-895-2500

Free and open to all ages, no registration required. The library provides the LEGOs; do not bring LEGOs from home.

Pumpkin check-in on the courthouse lawn from 4 to 9 p.m. From 4:30 to 6:30, costumed children can trick-or-treat at downtown businesses. At 5 p.m. there will be a cake cutting ceremony on the courthouse lawn.

Pumpkin Festival Carnivals

Dates: Oct. 25 – 28

Place: Teen carnival at Sacramento and State streets; kiddie carnival at Somonauk and Elm streets

Families are invited for a moon bounce, games and snacks. Costumes are not required, but are encouraged; there will be prizes for best costumes and for best carved pumpkin. The Bill Cho Taekwondo Demo Team will perform at 7 p.m.

Methodist Church Craft Show

Time: Noon – 5:30 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday

Date: Oct. 26 and 27

Place: Sycamore United Methodist Church, 160 Johnson Ave.

Blood Drive

Time: 1 – 5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday

Date: Oct. 26 and 27

Place: Corner of Maple and Elm streets

Historic Homes Tour

Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Oct. 27

Tickets: $20

More information: 815-895-5762 or info@sycamorehistory.org

Stops include 410 E. Elm St., 726 Somonauk St., 708 Somonauk St., the Chicago and Northwestern Depot and the Sycamore History Museum, 1730 N. Main St. Advance tickets available at the museum and Sweet Earth Jewelry and Gifts in downtown Sycamore; day-of tickets available at any of the house walk locations.

Sycamore High School Alumni High School Tour

Time: 11 a.m.

Date: Saturday, Oct. 27

Place: Sycamore High School

Register by email at terri.goodman@frontier.com.

Scary Stories in the Cemetery

Time: 6 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Oct. 27

Place: Elmwood Cemetery, Charles and Edward streets

These stories are very scary. Not for young children. Bring your own blankets, chairs and flashlights.